Encounter, Reception, and Embrace: The Eighth Day Institute of Spiritual Formation and Leadership
by Dale Alan Pollard
June 1st, 2007
This project introduces and outlines the structure and content of The Eighth Day Institute of Spiritual Formation and Leadership. The Institute's goal is to educate and mentor existing and future leaders in the context of Christian witness and community life in collaborative partnerships of learning.
The core of the program introduces the student to three aspects of the spiritual life: Spiritual Formation - the character formed into the image of God; Pastoral Care as Spiritual Formation - extending compassion into the community's life of brokenness; Self-Awareness and the Inward Journey - self-examination and the journey to freedom
and surrender.
During the second year, each student chooses one of three concentrations to emphasize: Spiritual Direction - the guided and mentored life in the spiritual journey; Incarnational Community - living as a new community proclaiming Jesus' presence in the suffering of humanity; and Transformational Leadership - leading in service and love as a reflection of the Trinity.
Students will design and implement individual projects to apply directly to her or his ministry setting. Each student is nurtured and mentored in Christian leadership for ministry in the local context as well as being challenged with the present global realities of the Church. People who encounter God, are receptive to His care, and embrace His compassion and presence, become leaders in a community of faith; they are a blessing to the world, leading in prayer, humility, and service.